The grant will assist Craig with his accommodation and living expenses, absolutely vital as he studies at Edinburgh University and trains at the Commonwealth Pool in the run up to the 2014 Glasgow Games.

Iain Leighton, Senior Partner at Graham + Sibbald, said: “For over 50 years Graham + Sibbald has been a prudently run Scottish firm with traditional values, consistently hard working, trustworthy and dedicated to clients and staff. As a leading young Scottish athlete, Craig Benson shows similar attributes as he strives to fulfil his dreams in the world of competitive swimming. We hope our Rising Star sponsorship will support Craig during this crucial period of his development and help him to fulfil his dreams. This is a great fit for our Scottish firm and here’s hoping that some of our staff and possibly clients will be poolside at next year’s Commonwealth Games encouraging Craig on to Gold for Scotland.”

Iain also adds: “Working very much in conjunction with Red Sky, it is also hoped that our Rising Star grant going forward can be repeated, helping more Scottish athletes to fulfil their dreams and ultimately promote sport, not only for themselves, but also most importantly sport in Scotland. Look at the lift Andy Murray has given the country over the summer. Hopefully our funding can go some way to nurturing a few more Andy Murrays.”

Craig Benson commented on the support: “I am thrilled to receive support from Graham + Sibbald and this grant will enable me to live in a flat in Edinburgh. I had been travelling in from Livingston each day, sometimes twice a day to train at the Commonwealth Pool and the distance was becoming a strain. Now I have a flat in the capital, I can really focus on the year ahead and hope to do my very best for Scotland at the Games next year.”